Written by Don Byrd
Army Captain Simratpal Singh has won approval for a religious accommodation from the strict grooming and uniform standards that otherwise would bar the turban and unshaven beard required by his Sikh faith.
Previously, Singh was granted a temporary accommodation, but with the requirement that he undergo rigorous testing to determine whether protective military gear would function properly. A judge however put a halt to that plan, ruling that requiring such tests of Singh without imposing them on others who are granted accommodation for medical reasons amounts to unlawful discrimination.
On Thursday evening, the Army issued a memorandum effectively granting Singh’s accommodation request. The impact of the accommodation on unit cohesion, morale, and effectiveness will continue to be monitored, as will the effectiveness of protective gear, should he be required to perform hazardous duty.
Religion News Service reports on the response from Singh:
Captain Simratpal Singh, a West Point graduate, an Army Ranger, and a veteran who earned a Bronze Star in Afghanistan, “proves to our military that the religiously mandated turban and beard do not hinder the ability to successfully serve,” said Sikh Coalition Legal Director, Harsimran Kaur in a statement Friday (April 1). “This decision gives hope that our nation’s largest employer is making progress towards ending a policy of religious discrimination.”
…
Singh, who is assigned to battalion operations staff in Ft. Belvoir, Va., said in the statement: “My faith, like many of the soldiers I work with, is an integral part of who I am. I am thankful that I no longer have to make the choice between faith and service to our nation.”
You can read the Sikh Coalition statement here.
